Symply Sensational
Christie Sym is causing a sensation on the Ironman circuit. The Aussie adventure racer turned Ironman pro finished second at Busso in 2009 on debut. TMSM’s Stef Hanson managed to catch Sym before she was off and running.
SH: Hey Christie, I jumped on your website to research your background a little further and the general theme seems to be “adventurous”, “dives into the deep end”, “thrives under pressure” and “loves a challenge”. Do you think that’s a good summation?
CS: Nice psycho-analysis – thanks! Yes, I love a good adventure and think less planning often equals more fun. Adventure racing is all about dealing with the pressure of the unknown and dealing with challenges presented along the way, so perhaps that’s why I love the sport so much. Perhaps you could apply the same rationale to my life?
SH: Excellent, I like the way you think! In 2004 you began competing in Adventure Racing and it would appear you’ve never looked back. What were some of your highlights over the years?
CS: Wow, there are so many, how many coffees do you have time for? Winning my third solo national series title in Adventure Racing was definitely a highlight – especially with the challenges I had to overcome. I was forced to sit out the first race of the series for heart surgery, then returned three weeks later to win the second round by only 30 seconds over a two-day, 10.5-hour event. Fracturing my ankle soon after wasn’t really ideal preparation for the final two races, but Leukoplast tape is an amazing thing! I really wanted that title and it’s amazing what you can do when you’ve got the hunger.
What I love most about AR is experienced in the longer races (over 24 hours duration): the fluctuation in emotional states, the huge demands placed on your body (particularly sleep deprivation), team dynamics and the challenge from the environmental elements. You are pretty much assured of feeling just about every human emotion possible within the space of one race. The challenge is then intensified by the obligation to your team to keep moving forward as quickly as possible.
